(Wilmington, DE 19805) On Sunday, September 6, 2026, at approximately 9:11 a.m., officers from the New Castle County Division of Police responded to the unit block of South Cleveland Avenue in Wilmington for a report of a shooting.

Upon arrival, officers and Emergency Medical Services located 32-year-old Donald Nave suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and immediately began life-saving measures. Nave was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.

Detectives from the Division’s Criminal Investigations Unit responded to the scene and assumed the investigation.

As detectives continued their investigation, they developed information identifying a possible suspect and a Chevrolet Sonic believed to be the suspect vehicle. Detectives utilized Automated License Plate Reader technology to identify the vehicle and obtain its license plate number. The vehicle was subsequently determined to be registered to 31-year-old Hector Sanchez of Wilmington.

Detectives also determined that Sanchez and Nave had previously been involved in a Traffic-related altercation in August 2026.

Detectives later located Sanchez’s vehicle in the 800 block of Market Street in Wilmington. Detectives subsequently applied for and obtained a search warrant for Sanchez’s residence. With assistance from the New Castle County Police Crisis Management Group, detectives executed the search warrant and took Sanchez into custody at approximately 6:56 p.m. on September 6, 2026.

During the execution of the search warrant, detectives recovered evidence connecting him to the investigation.

Sanchez was transported to New Castle County Police Headquarters, where he was charged with the following offenses:

• One felony count of Murder in the First Degree

• One felony count of Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony

Hector Sanchez was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in lieu of $1,000,000 cash bail.

Detectives are asking anyone with additional information to contact Detective Bruhn at (302) 395-8120, via email at Thomas.Bruhn@newcastlede.gov, or by calling the New Castle County Division of Police non-emergency number at (302) 573-2800.

Hector Sanchez – 31

Delaware Law Enforcement Thank You Ride 2026

WHAT: The Delaware Law Enforcement Thank You Ride 2026 is a two-day bicycle ride and charity event that raises awareness and gratitude for law enforcement officers, first responders, and their families throughout Delaware.

Riders and supporters include active and retired law enforcement officers, first responders, their families, and survivors.

The riders will make a scheduled stop at the New Castle County Department of Public Safety, where a special recognition will take place during their visit.

WHEN: Thursday, September 10, 2026

Estimated Arrival: 9:35 a.m.

Estimated Departure: 10:10 a.m.

WHERE:

In the parking lot in front of the Cpl. Paul J. Sweeney Public Safety Building

3601 North DuPont Highway

New Castle, DE 19720

Members of the media are invited to attend the riders’ arrival, special ceremony, and departure.

Military Service Wall of Honor Dedication Ceremony

WHO: New Castle County Department of Public Safety

WHAT: Military Service Wall of Honor Dedication Ceremony

WHEN: Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: Corporal Robert L. Snow Training and Conference Center
3601 North DuPont Highway
New Castle, DE 19720

The New Castle County Department of Public Safety invites you to attend the dedication of the Military Service Wall of Honor.

The Wall of Honor pays tribute to Department of Public Safety members from Police, Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Communications, and Emergency Management who answered the call to serve New Castle County and pledged to protect and serve our nation through military service.

The ceremony will honor their service, recognize their sacrifice, and remember their commitment to both our community and our country.

Members of the media are invited to attend.